Where Are Compassion and Mercy in Leadership? A Reflection on Caring Science and Trauma-Informed Practice

"True leadership is not measured by power or position, but by the courage to lead with love, the humility to listen, and the grace to see humanity in every soul." — Mary Coughlin

Where Are Compassion and Mercy in Leadership?

Recent events have brought into sharp focus the absence of compassion and tolerance in some of our leaders. The exchange between President Donald Trump and Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, following her appeal for mercy and compassion for marginalized communities, underscores the vital need for leaders to embody the values of kindness, understanding, and humanity. This moment is an invitation to reflect on the power of compassionate leadership and its alignment with the principles of Caring Science and trauma-informed developmental care.

The Call for Mercy

During the National Prayer Service, Bishop Budde urged the president to show mercy toward those living in fear—specifically undocumented immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Her words, grounded in empathy and a deep sense of justice, spoke to the heart of many who advocate for dignity and equity. Yet, her appeal was met with sharp criticism, with some labeling her message as divisive rather than a call to unity.

This reaction reflects a broader societal challenge: how do we respond to voices calling for compassion when they disrupt our comfort or challenge entrenched power structures? Bishop Budde’s words were not an indictment but an invitation to lead with humanity—a concept central to Caring Science and trauma-informed practice.

Compassion as a Leadership Imperative

Jean Watson’s Caring Science reminds us that caring is not a soft or optional skill; it is the very foundation of transformative relationships. Caring Science emphasizes the importance of human-to-human connections, ethical considerations, and the acknowledgment of our shared vulnerability. When leaders fail to respond with compassion, they not only neglect the humanity of those they serve but also erode trust and unity within communities.

Trauma-informed developmental care echoes this principle by calling on us to create safe, nurturing, and equitable environments. For clinicians, this means recognizing how stress, fear, and systemic inequities impact not only our patients but also ourselves. For leaders, it means embodying these same values by fostering environments of safety, trust, and empowerment.

Bridging Leadership and Humanity

Leadership rooted in compassion requires courage—the courage to listen, to reflect, and to act with the well-being of all in mind. It also demands humility, a willingness to acknowledge our own limitations and biases, and an openness to diverse perspectives. Bishop Budde’s appeal to mercy aligns with the core principles of trauma-informed developmental care: safety, trust, empowerment, and equity. Her call reminds us that true leadership prioritizes the most vulnerable, ensuring that no one is left behind.

A Path Forward: The Intersection of Caring Science and Trauma-Informed Care

This moment offers an opportunity to integrate the principles of Caring Science and trauma-informed practice into our collective understanding of leadership:

Lead with Love:

• Caring Science teaches that love is a powerful force in healing and connection. Leaders who lead with love build bridges, not barriers.

Acknowledge Shared Humanity:

• Trauma-informed care reminds us that fear and stress impact everyone. Leaders who embrace this understanding can create policies and practices that prioritize healing over harm.

Act with Courage:

• It is not easy to challenge systems of power or to call for compassion in divisive times. Yet, courage is the foundation of transformational leadership.

Foster Safe Spaces:

• Whether in healthcare or in governance, creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and heard is essential for growth and trust.

Conclusion

Bishop Budde’s appeal for mercy is a reminder that leadership is an act of service, rooted in the dignity and worth of every individual. Her message, while controversial to some, embodies the principles of Caring Science and trauma-informed care: compassion, equity, and the courage to lead with love.

As we reflect on this moment, let us challenge ourselves—whether as clinicians, leaders, or members of our communities—to model the values we hope to see in our leaders. By doing so, we not only honor the humanity of others but also nurture a world where compassion and mercy are not exceptions but expectations.

Let us put the human back in leadership, in healthcare, and in all the spaces where lives are touched and shaped.

Take care and care well,

Mary

P.S.: Compassionate leadership begins with each of us. How do you see kindness and courage shaping our world? I’d love to hear your thoughts — let’s continue this important conversation together.